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SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 65
September 26, 1997 |
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | Richard T. La Pointe
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | General Assembly Appropriation for ESL Programs |
During the 1996 Session of the General Assembly, an amount of $5.2 million was appropriated for the 1996-98 biennium to assist school divisions with the educational needs of students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). Your specific allocation for FY 1997-98 is posted on Attachment A at the top of the page. We take this opportunity to reiterate Virginia's commitment to provide meaningful instruction to all of its students, including this segment of the at-risk population. Legal precedents clearly call for local school divisions to accommodate students whose native language is other than English in a manner whereby they can profit from educational opportunities afforded them. Programs for students identified as Limited-English Proficient (LEP) should include a means of identification, assessment and placement in an appropriate education program. These state funds come to you with the stipulation that they be used solely for ESL services and activities. We ask that you provide us with updated information regarding your ESL program on Attachment A. Please forward this form by October 17, 1997 to David E. Cox, Foreign Language/ESL Specialist, Office of Secondary Education. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Cox at [804] 225-2593. RTL/ce Attachment: A hard copy of this memo and its attachment will be sent to the superintendent's office.